This Or That: What Are The Differences Between Frankincense Essential Oils?

It’s difficult to pinpoint the main differences between the four varieties of Frankincense we offer. Many aromatherapists agree that though the chemistry differs between them, the therapeutics are very much the same.

The outstanding difference between our Frankincenses tends to be in their aroma, but rather than leaving it at that, we’d like to delve a little deeper and give those of you wondering which Frankincense to choose, a bit of direction. Rooted in rich history, and valued by myriads of cultures, there is much to learn about one of EG’s most popular essential oils.

The most well known and used Frankincense of the four we offer is our Frankincense Carterii essential oil. Besides its intoxicatingly smooth, and relaxing aroma, Frankincense Carterii has a knack for charming users with its many therapeutic properties. This oil is high in alpha-pinene, and other monoterpenes, making it a great immune support.

Frankincense Carterii has many benefits towards the skin, such as reducing the appearance of mature skin and scars due to its ability to repair skin cells. The respiratory system can also benefit from Frankincense, as it aids illnesses and breathing. The aroma of Frankincense Carterii is what most people are familiar with, and is commonly used in making natural incense and resin burning. It has a deep, rich, grounding aroma which touts the ability to quiet the mind, support focus, and encourage tranquility.

Though both Frankincense Frereana and Frankincense Carterii are sourced from the mountainous regions of Somalia, Frankincense Frereana is typically grown at a higher altitude, giving this oil a unique chemical makeup. This variety of Frankincense is high in pinene, thujene, and cymene, giving this oil great anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, and analgesic properties.

This oil is your go-to for relieving inflammation caused by arthritis, swelling, and allergies. Frankincense Frereana would also be a good addition to local pain blends. What’s commonly notable about this oil’s aroma, is its citrus-lemon top notes and earthy, resinous Frankincense heart.

Native to Oman, Frankincense Sacra is a gem to the Middle East. Not unlike most Frankincenses, Frankincense Sacra tends to thrive in precarious environments, like rocky, eroding slopes and chalky soil. Out of all four of the Frankincense offered at Edens Garden, Frankincense Sacra has the highest amount of alpha-pinene.

When paired with oils high in limonene such as Lemon and other citruses, Frankincense Sacra has been found to be highly antimicrobial. Containing high amounts of alpha-pinene also gives Frankincense Sacra the ability to act as an anti-inflammatory. It’s aroma is pungent, and strong, with a deep, earthy Frankincense aroma. You may pick up on some medicinal top notes and woody undertones when enjoying this rich Frankincense oil. If you love the aroma of Frankincense, you will truly appreciate the aroma of Frankincense Sacra.

It is believed that, because it is the oldest documented Frankincense, Frankincense Serrata may be the Frankincense referred to in the Bible and Ayurvedic medicine. Frankincense Serrata is high in natural constituents called alpha thujene, alpha-pinene, and limonene. These components belong to the monoterpenes chemical family, lending Frankincense Serrata to being a powerful antiseptic, decongestant, and anti-inflammatory agent.

You may want to choose Frankincense Serrata when you’re in need of a deodorizer, or air purifier. This oil is also commonly used during meditation and as an anointing oil. The Frankincense resin from which it is produced is soft, sticky, and rich in oil. Because Frankincense Serrata yields a higher amount of essential oil, it is less expensive than our other Frankincenses which don’t yield as much oil. Its aroma is sweeter and more delicate, with terpenic-pine top notes.

MORE TO LOVE

Frankincense resin, from which the essential oil is distilled, is extracted by stripping the bark of a Frankincense tree. The resin then bleeds out a sappy, resinous substance, which dries to heal the tree. The tree itself tends to grow in rocky soil, and even in rocks to prevent itself from being uprooted during a storm. Frankincense continues to astound us with its amazing characteristics and abilities, which is why we’re proud to offer this oil in its purest form, sharing its benefits with everyone!

COMMENTS

These comments were contributed by customers without influence from Edens Garden. The opinions expressed in these comments are 100% the authors' own and do not reflect the views or opinions of Edens Garden.

Edens Garden says...

Hi Jan! When it comes to specific medical issues, we recommend working with your doctor and an aromatherapist who can provide you with safe guidelines that meet your specific needs.

Jan says...

Thanks for the great info! I was searching for which Frank would be beast when dealing with cancer. Thanks in advance!

Edens Garden says...

Hi Heddy! We don’t recommend using oils internally without consulting with your doctor and an aromatherapist who can provide you with safe guidelines that meet your individual needs.

Heddy Lapeyrouse says...

Can any of your frankincense be taken internally?

Edens Garden says...

Hi Sarah! The genus of all Frankincense oils is Boswellia, so all of our Frankincense oils are technically Boswellia. Age Defy contains Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)